| At a glance: The Lovaas Program |
Type of therapy
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Behavioural
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The claim
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Improves self help, language, communication, play, early academic and socialisation skills
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Suitable for
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Children with ASD (from 2-8 years of age)
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Research rating
Find out more about this rating system in our FAQs. |
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Time
Estimate of the total time for family in hours per week and duration. |
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Because it is based on ABA, the program is very time-intensive and runs for 2-3 years. Research has shown that this intensity can be critical to its success. |
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Cost
Estimate of cost to family per session/item or week. |
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About this intervention
What is it?
Based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), the Lovaas Program uses techniques that focus on breaking complex tasks into smaller, more achievable steps. As children learn each step, they are praised and rewarded. Difficult behaviour is ignored when it occurs.
Who is it for?
The program is used for children with autism aged two to three. Children can participate in this therapy until they are school-aged. The program can be slightly modified for children who are already at school.
What is it used for?
The Lovaas Program is used to teach and encourage appropriate behaviour, such as language use and social skills. It can also help to reduce difficult behaviour.
Supporters of the program suggest that it results in:
- a reduction in self-stimulatory behaviour
- improved language skills (increased verbal communication and vocabulary)
- increased emotional attachment to others
- increased IQ
- a reduction in the level of support needed in the classroom.
Where does it come from?
The Lovaas Program was developed in the early 1980s at the University of California as part of a research project focusing on young people with autism. It is named after the researcher, Ivar Lovaas.
What is the idea behind it?
It is based on the principles of ABA and the idea that skills can be taught in a systematic way to improve behaviour. As children get better at a skill, they feel encouraged and will use the skill more often.
What does it involve?
This program is time-intensive and involves planned sessions where the child is taught skills. For the youngest children, the first year involves a therapist (or team of therapists) working with the child at home for at least 40 hours per week. These sessions focus on teaching basic learning skills (such as following simple instructions and imitation) and reducing behaviour that gets in the way of learning (such as aggressive behaviour).
In later years more complex skills are taught, including verbal communication, interactive play and cooperation, reading and writing. These are taught in settings other than the home (such as pre-school), and the intensity of the program is gradually reduced.
Each phase of the program involves the use of a range of teaching techniques, the most common of which is Discrete Trial Training (DTT).
Cost considerations
Costs depend on how the program is applied, and this can vary widely. The therapy team might include different kinds of people (professionals, paid aides, volunteers) working in a variety of different settings. The program is also very time-intensive, requiring a lot of input from both therapists and family members, which can increase costs.
Does it work?
This therapy has not yet been rated. However, it is based on ABA principles, which are well supported by research.
Who practises this method?
Practitioners may include trained therapists, teachers, volunteers and parents. It’s important to note that professionals using the Lovaas Program need to have received appropriate training. This can sometimes make it difficult to find suitably qualified therapists.
Parent education, training, support and involvement
This intervention is managed by parents, with therapist training and support. Parents are trained to apply the techniques in the home, so they can use them during most of the child’s waking hours. Often, paid aides are used to provide the therapy, given its intensive nature.
Where can I find a practitioner?
Contact the autism association in your state and ask them to recommend a service or practitioner.
Alternatively, a list of practitioners who may use the Lovaas approach can be found on the Autism Behavioural Intervention Association website.
